Convertible ladder



Sept. 15,1931. c. E. WHITE 1,822,947

' CONVERTIBLE LADDER Filed Jan. 3. 1930 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 inventorawzwzwize A ttomcy Sept. 15, 1931. c, w rr 1,822,947

CONVERTIBLE LADDER Filed Jan. 3. 1930 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Attorney InventorPatented Sept. 15, 1931 CHARLES E. VII-IITE, OF IPENROSE, COLORADOCONVERTIBLE LADDER Application filed January 3, 1930. Serial No.418,289.

This invention relates to an improved convertible ladder which isexpressly, but not that is a ladder which is especially designed in formand configuration to better fulfill the requirements of a structure ofthis class than ordinary or conventional ladders.

Otherwise stated, I have evolved and produced a simple and economicalorchard ladlo der of the convertible type made up of properly associatedcompanion sections susceptible of being arranged in longitudinalalinement for elevated work, or folded into angular supportingrelationship to function as a relatively short step ladder.

In carrying the invention into practice, I have incorporated in thisstructure a number of distinguishable and novel features. First, Iutilize an especially designed hinge which is susceptible ofdistributing stress, assuring a sturdy joint, and permitting convertingof the ladder sections.

Secondly, I embody in this hinge a novel latch for holding the leaveseither in acute angular relationship for step ladder construction, andin perfect longitudinal alignment for an extension ladder construction.

In addition, I provide a convertible ladder of this type which ischaracterized by an appropriate balancing base including extension legsappropriately fastened to the lower or main ladder section, theconstruction and arrangement being such as to promote strength,durability, and lightness in weight. Then too, I provide a convertibleladder wherein both of the companion sections are equipped with stepsrather than rungs to avoid tiresome strain and pressure on the feet ofthe user, and in addition, I mount these steps in unique hangers orbrackets and associate with each step a reinforcing and stressdistributing bolt.

Other features and advantages will become more readily apparent from thefollowing description and drawings.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is an elevational view showing the extension form of ladderemployed in orchard work and used by a single occupant.

Figure 2 is the side View of the step ladder formation susceptible ofbeing employed by 7 two workers. necessarily, adapted for use in frultorchards,

Figure 3 is an elevational view of the improved hinge and latch.

Figure 1 is a top edge view thereof.

Figure 5 is an inside face elevation of the hinge.

Figure 6 is a detail view in section and elevation. I

Figures 7, 8 and 9 are elevational views of 60 the novel step hangerbracketf In Figures 1 and 2, it will be observed that the body of theladder is composed of a pair of companion sections. For sake ofdistinction, the primary section is designated .11; generally by thenumeral 10 and the secondary companion section by the numeralfll. Thefirst named section comprises a pair of spaced parallel side rails 12between which are the vertically spaced steps 13. This secem tion isjoined to' the secondary section 11 through the medium of unique hingesgenerally represented by numeral 14.

The section ll embodies complemental side rails 15 disposed inconverging relationship 15 and fastened togetherto afford a pointed endas at 16. The steps on this'sec'tion are designated by the numerals 13as in the first instance, as all steps are the same.

Particularly do 'I'wish' to emphasize the 30 provision of the balancingand'steadying base 17 .i This is' seen-in Figure 1' and comprisesextension legs 18 whose upper ends are bevelled off as at 19 andsecurely fastened to the intermediate portion of the rails 12. Thisdisposes the legs in outwardly and downwardly diverging relationship;The lowermost 'stepg20 has its extended ends 21 fastened to theintermediate portion of the extension legs. Then'too, I provide reinforcon ing vertically arranged bolts 22 fastened to the step and the lowerend portions ofthe rails 12.

Each hinge 14. is the same in construction, and a description of onewill suffice for both. as Attention is thereforeinvited to Figures 3,

. 4;, and 5, wherein it will be observed that each hinge embodieselongated plate-like leaves 23 and 241 having overlapped ears 25 and 26at their inner ends. These ears are pivoted 'nection' with the drawings.

together through the medium of a pin 27, and they are provided withregistrable keeper holes 28 and 29 for reception of the retaining pin 30carried by the spring latch strip 31.

This provides a novel stress distributing hing-e joint permitting thesections to be swung into longitudinal alinement or intothe divergingrelationship seen in Figure 2 and permits the retaining pins 30 of thelatch 31 to be seated in either of the keepers 28 or 29 as the case maybe.

strain.

The feature of particular importance is, the

provision of the spring-pressed latch serving to hold the hinge leavesin either: of-their adj usted positions and to insure rigiditywhetherthe latter be'formed as seen in Figure 1 or transformed into a stepladder as seen in Figure 2.

Iinextinvite attention .to Eigure 6, wherein the detail of the stepconstruction is shown. Each'step is fastened to the railthroughthemedium of a novel hanger bracket generally designatedat 32. The bracket.comprises a plate 33 havingupper. and:lower retaining flanges 34 andend'flanges 35. A tongue 36 is struck out from the plates and leaves asemi-ovate opening as at 37 The tongue functions as akey andisadapted'for -reception in: the; keyway or groove 38 formed in the ladderrail.

In addition I provide a retaining and bracing bolt 39 foreach step whichpasses through therails and is fastened in place-as seenin Figure 6.1This construction prov-idesasimplified arrangement for dependableconnection of the steps with the rail;

With this arrangement it isobvious that :the sectional construction ofthe ladder is appropriate for orchard'use in that it avoids damage tothelimbsand the fruit, and is expeditiousin use. A ladder of'thiskind'isdependable, sturdy, comfortable, and otherwise susceptible offulfillingthe requirements of a-device of this class.

The abutting featureof the ears relieves the pivot pinofundue field ofinvention claimed may be resorted to in actual practice if desired.

I claim:

A ladder of the character described comprising, in combination, a pairof side rails having pairs of transverse, elongated notches intheir=opposed sides, said notches having arcuate innerwalls, step boardsextending between the rails, and means for mounting the step boards onthe rails, said means comprising'flatmetallic-plates disposed inabutting engagement with the ends of the step boards and interposedbetween said step boardsandtherails, said plates having inturned flangeson their marginal edges extending; over? the end; portionsofthe; stepboards in;-

ma-nner toembrace saidi step boards therebetween, and :elongated tonguesstruckoutwardly. from intermediate portions ofthe plates .fordisposition in the notches,

said tongue aving r uate free edges conforming substantially to thecurvature. of the innen wallsof the-notches,

Intestimonywhereof I afiix my signature.

CHARLES E. WHITE;

The convertible feature permits the ladder in insuring eflic-ientmaintenanceofthe stepladder. 7

It is thought however, that persons-skilled in the art to which theinvention relates will be able to obtain a clear understanding of thesame after considering-the description incon- Therefore a more lengthydescription is regarded as unnecessary.

Minorchanges in shape, size, materials and arrangements ofdetailscoming'within the

